More Posts

About a year ago I was working on the “Brick Gulch Chronicles,” and casually asked Miles if Red vs. Blue would be returning for Season 15. “Yeah,” he said, “but we’re looking for someone new to run the show.”

This was like hearing your crush in high school mention that she and her boyfriend were on the outs. In my head I just thought, “Play your cards right, Nicolosi. Don’t fuck this up.”

So, in the months after my episode was released I waited patiently by the phone. Life returned to normal. I directed commercials for a car headlight company. I directed a music video for a satanic marching band. I directed a science webseries in Peru. Every few weeks I would get a teasing text from Miles or Koen. “We’re thinking about you.” Cool guys, I’m thinking about you too.

We started dating in September. Things became official in October. Coincidentally I got married that month as well. I sold my freelance business, or I guess “gave away” is more technically correct. I showed up at the office bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready to kick off Season 15.

SLOW DISSOLVE TO SNOWY FLASHBACK:

Upstate New York, 2003. I had an amazing animation professor who on the second day of class played a few episodes of Red vs. Blue. This was back in the early days, the ‘Ever wonder why we’re here’ days. Watching RvB had an immediate and profound effect on the very idea of filmmaking for me. Movies didn’t have to have big budgets, or have big crews, or be serious. Inspired, I spent years making animated shorts about a squadron of slacker space pilots - complete with a character named Donut.

I moved to Austin after I graduated, partially because those same Rooster Teeth folks had carved a nice little niche down here and I thought I could do the same. The idea of being able to make movies outside of LA had a strong appeal.

END FLASHBACK

Starting on Red vs. Blue Season 15 was incredibly intimidating. I was, and still am, partially paralyzed when I think about it too much. For starters, RvB isn’t like anything else that exists out there in the world of TV or film. I didn’t know how to approach riding this beast. The closest comparison I could think of was superhero comics.

I started to think about Red vs. Blue as if Marvel had asked me to write a run on X-Men and it began to make sense. When someone new takes over writing a long running comic series, there are certain things they have to juggle. The first, is the utmost respect for the rules and canon of the universe. At the same time you have to bring some new players on the field: new heroes, new villains, new storylines and superpowers. On top of that it’s important to give these classic characters unique challenges that change and evolve them in some way. For my money, no one has done this better than Joss Whedon with his run on Astonishing X-Men. In the most general of senses this is how the first bricks of the season were laid.

What I’m trying to say is that next season the Reds and Blues are all Superheroes. In Season 15 they live in a mansion in Westchester and fight Magneto. Grif uses his invisibility to take naps all the time. Miles will tell me they’ve already made that joke, and I’ll say it’s a callback, dude.

Realistically... I don’t know if I can even talk about the inception of the season’s actual story without giving things away. Miles and Gray warn me daily about how clever the fans are so I’m playing my cards close to my chest. I want my season to have twists and turns that keep people guessing. I want there to be mystery and big reveals. I want people to be surprised.

It’s also important to mention that I have not been writing this season in a box. Miles has been along with me every step of the way, from inception through outlines through finished scripts. He’s been a fantastic collaborator and can’t thank him enough for that. I love that guy but seriously don't tell him that.

This is the opportunity of a lifetime and couldn't be more excited about the privilege I have to take these characters on another kickass adventure. I am incredibly bone-shakingly anxious excited to share Season 15 with you. April 1st.

Ah, and in case you’re wondering just who the hell I am, I recommend watching my “Brick Gulch Chronicles” Episode in Season 14, HELL NO: The Sensible Horror Film, Star Wars: Retold, The Matrix: Retold by Mom, the Indie Mario Trailer, Kittywood: Cat Videos Incorporated and Avengers: Age of Technical Difficulties.

Now if you'll excuse me I've got to get back to lurking the RvB subreddit for ideas.

Comments (82)

JDHodgkinsonFIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold

1 year ago

I absolutely LOVED the "Brick Gulch Chronicles" from Season 14. I though it was a nice call back to the earlier seasons, as well as adding something new to it. You did very well to capture all the characters and make me feel all nostalgic and shit, to when I used to binge watch RvB in my bedroom in my late High School/Early College years :P

I think Miles and Gray have chosen wisely and I can't wait to see what you can do with the characters we all know and love, as well as give us new ones to fall in love with or absolutely despise XD Either way the best of luck to you :)

No mods

shadowolf213FIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold
Woof

1 year ago

I read that the reds and blues will be like super heroes (And I know that doesn't mean they will get powers (duh). I read that there will be events that change them, they will face challenges and evolve. And the only thing I want from these two lines is. Smarter, stronger, better Blood clutch crew. I know that they are not the best of the best, that most of there battles are luck, or teamwork. But I would like to see them individually become better, Tucker being the best in combat (Trained by Wash, the Aliens. Possibly training during the Civil war, Plus the whole thing where he killed the real Whyoming. (Wrong spelling) Was able to take Tex on for a bit and managed to out think the mercs (Still wanted that true Felix vs Tucker sword battle but happy with the end result) Caboose with his strength and electrical engineering. Simmons and his smarts and becoming a person who doesn't rely on Sarge, Grif and his driving, also being a more active member, Donut and that throwing arm, plus his Spanish. Doc and Omally being... Doc and Omally. Lopaz... Ehhh. Sarge becoming a better leader and shot with his SHOTGUN. And while I would say Church and his sniping... well.. Happy thoughts.

And while I know that this is asking for a LOT. Well. if this is what happens. I would die happy. Not before it finishes this season. Or the next season, or the next. But after Red vs Blue ends. Cause it's a story that a bunch of people who thought a car looked like a Puma that it was created and turned into so much more then anyone could have thought, a wonderful story, one worth cheating death for.

No mods

anneapocalypseFIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold
Shine bright like a Lina

1 year ago

Really looking forward to this season!

No mods

JicoriFIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold
RTX 2018 Guardian

1 year ago

Really loved Brick Gulch Chronicles, and so excited to see where you take RvB from here! Keeping it fresh with the blessing of the veterans.

No mods

V2BlastFIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold

1 year ago

The Brick Gulch Chronicles episode was great, and I'm confident in Miles' judgment. Can't wait to see what season 15 brings - you'll do great!

Congratulations man! Keen to see what you've got in store for us and also, don't worry too much about whether its 110% accurate or not, shows that run for a long time will tend to go a little off course and that's a good thing! You probably already know this (judging by the emotions bursting from your journal), but anyway, good luck!

No mods

mrjayy95FIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold
Student/ Bar man/ Cadet

1 year ago

brick gulch was an awesome part of season 14 and you will be a good choice for helming the new season, was it actually stop motion or was it digitally done like the Lego movie.

No mods

JoenutFIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold

1 year ago

fully stop motion! thanks

+2 Cool

MFingersFIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold
Human-Shaped Magpie

1 year ago

Loved the Brick Gulch chronicles! Glad to have you helming the series, dude.

+1 Ditto

joeeoj_99FIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold
Cockbyte

1 year ago

Looking forward to seeing what you bring to the table

+1 Ditto

witchy98FIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold

1 year ago

I'm excited to see what you bring to the table for RvB15!! I wish you the best of luck and don't worry, we know you'll do great :D

No mods

Jordand0117FIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold
Invisible Space Magic

1 year ago

I cant wait to see what you're going to come up with!!! You're going to make something truly amazing, just make it your own style!!!

*runs around in circles screaming yay all the while trying to not injure myself*

I just fangirled.. hard.. My beloved and cherished RvB and X-Men references.. and Joss Whedon. I like the cut of your jib sir.. I think jib means shirt right? Yes a very fine fit.

In all seriousness (and that is VERY difficult) I am looking forward to your work. Fresh writers are what keep the stories we love going on and on. I'm not ready to let my beloved (a little bit) Reds and (A LOT A BIT) Blues go anytime soon! So best of luck and a great anniversary gift for hubby and I (April 1st!!) I can't wait!

P.S. Please be gentle with our little Caboose... he is an emotional time bomb after all!

You did a superb job with some of 14, now let's hope for the best on 15

No mods

wedwarrd45FIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold

1 year ago

This is gonna be great. I never thought I'd look forward to April 1st for non prank related reasons, but here we are.

No mods

ScotchGermanFIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold
#1 The Know Fan

1 year ago

I can't wait to see what you do for the show and all of us. It's exciting and scary to see the show pass hands especially with how well Miles did but I look forward to the new ideas that will keep the best show ever fresh.

No mods

MrsRoperFIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold
Cosplayer/Hair Bow Maker

1 year ago

It'll be a while until I get caught up in the series, but I'm excited to see what you have in store! Good luck!

No mods

StephenRFIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold

In all seriousness though, I can't wait to see what you bring to this show. Good luck!

+2 Ditto

orangeking98FIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold
dream crusher

1 year ago

hello and welcome you should know that job will bring a lot of hate, like A LOT of hate, and death threats, but you should also know for every hate filled comment and death threat, there are five, no ten, no a thousand, comments and messages from people that love and support you and the brilliance you make here on rvb.(and they might kill for you if you ask nicely so keep that in mind ;p )

+2 Funny

dotZekeFIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold

Very cool. I hope that you can take it to the next level of amazing writing, drama, and comedy. Can't wait.

No mods

SailorGirl81FIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold
Keeper Of Kittens

1 year ago

The Brick Gulch episode was one of the best episodes of season 14. I look forward to seeing what you will do with the real guys this time (Some of think your episode is cannon btw)

Please don't spend all your time off the RT site in reddit; you have your OWN RvB forum right here. We've already been discussing and predicting what is to come with RvB. Pop in once in a while and say "hey".

nicus9FIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold

1 year ago

RT staff using their own website as opposed to Reddit or Twitter or something? Let's not get any crazy ideas here lol

+3 Funny

V2BlastFIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold

1 year ago

Why not both?

+1 Cool

bokoremberFIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold

1 year ago

NO WAY! MATRIX RETOLD BY MOM WAS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ON YOUTUBE!

i never even heard about RvB back then! This is amazing!

No mods

ragusa33FIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold
Goose Master

1 year ago

Please tell me that Tucker at least keeps the kickass Meta suit!

+2 Ditto

j4sonmFIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold

1 year ago

Welcome to the family Joe. I can't say I know your work outside of the Brick Gulch chronicles, and I'm not super pumped about change(Nothing personal its just part of my nature) but Miles trusts you so you have mine. I can't wait to see where you take our idiots, and what adventures they'll go on with you at the helm Don't fuck this up.

+5 Ditto

djcatilianFIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold

1 year ago

Brick Gulch Chronicles was one of the best in s14. I'm pumped to see where you'll take the series next!

No mods

davepuseyFIRST Member Star(s)Indication of membership status - One star is a FIRST member, two stars is Double Gold